Food and Drink iNet, which represents food suppliers and wholesalers in the East Midlands, has received additional funding of £669,893 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support innovation projects of food and drink manufacturers in the region until 2015.
Since its inception in 2008, the Food and Drink iNet has supported businesses across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.
Operated by business support organization The Food and Drink Forum, the iNet provides grants for eligible projects, business consultation and advice, and supports collaboration projects, as well as research projects that are relevant to the sector.
Food and Drink iNet innovation advisor Jo Murphy said, "Innovation is a key springboard to growth and we know that the iNet's support has been important in the past in helping businesses to develop. We are looking forward to hearing from food and drink manufacturing firms across the region who are keen to benefit from our expertise."
Based at Southglade Food Park, Gala Way, Nottingham, the iNet is currently part funding projects at the University of Nottingham which focus on flavor perception, salt reduction in foods and probiotics.
Other universities including Nottingham Trent University, and the universities of Leicester, Lincoln and Northampton, are part of the iNet steering group.
